This wonderful photogenic pairing of galaxies is such a dependable winter target in the northern hemisphere that I have found myself imaging it almost every year. This year, Steve and I are delighted to be exploring favourite targets with our new QHY268M camera; previously M81/82 was a two panel mosaic with the smaller sensor of the QSI690.  I was surprised to find that processing was as tricky as it had been for older captures despite the passing years and more grey (and less ) hair, I suppose a measure of wanting to keep developing techniques. I'm not sure I've succeeded this year and found the Ha addition very tricky, partially due to a less than optimum Ha flat imparting a red cast across the frame of the Ha master. Since capturing the data for this image, we have had the camera rotated 180 degrees to help with cable management.  I'm about to begin processing M51 with the new calibration flats and we'll see if the Ha flat has improved . . .

At home, I have the same camera and have installed 36mm filter masks to help with a snug fit and any light leakage around the edge of the Antlia pro filters. Steve and I discussed whether fitting these masks would benefit the Chroma filters installed in our CFW3 at E-EyE (and am interested to hear experiences).  I'll see how I fair with the processing of M51.  Lots of Flats to unzip first and then embark on the calibration.

I hope to have gauged the brightness of the final version to be acceptable to tastes. I have been startled to see the difference in displayed rendition between my external 4K monitor used with my MacBook Pro and on my iPad Pro on which images seem very bright and over processed to my eye. I have lost a little confidence in how my images are displayed as a result.

Thank you to members of the community who have enquired about my SmugMug site and its PixInisght tutorials - I have streamlined my hobby and have relinquished the site as a timesaver. Perhaps I'll start again in a few years when I cut down on work time as I near retirement.

Data acquisition: Barry Wilson & Steve Milne
Processing: Barry Wilson